Q50: File does not open and crash Excel

A: Open the file that makes Excel crash or does not work well BUT DO NOT ACTIVATE MACROS. Save it in xlsx format. You can then make a rebuild using the latest version available on this site.

Note: This is the case for a file saved in Excel 2019 version16.26 (or later) that you are trying to open with an earlier version of Excel.

Q49: Rebuild not work because the options input mask does not appear

A: Check that the name of the file to rebuild does not contain dangerous characters such as ' ? # ...

Q48: Quickly check what the formulas refer to (like sums for example)

A: Double-click on the cell containing the formula.

Q47: Create a specific additive model (like for post-production without insurance)

A: Create an additive, configure it as desired, rename it Model x (do not confirm it) and then duplicate it whenever you like...

Q46: Autosave with OneDrive

A: This feature allows, when working on the Cloud via OneDrive with an Office 365 annual subscription, to save a file on the fly. Each change therefore causes a backup which can slow down the use of the AlphA. It is therefore advised to disable this function.

Q42: My file (file 1) does not save and the changes are not taken into account.

- Download the generic model and place it on the desktop (model 1)

- Duplicate this model on the desktop with the "Duplicate" menu of the Ctrl-Click on the file icon.

- Rename this copy with the name (strictly identical) of file 1 (the one that is open and buggy).

1. -Open model 1 (click OK to all opening messages) then activate the menu AlphA "Tasks / Rebuild", choose in the Finder window the file 1 on the desktop, click "Select all" in the window that’s opened then click OK.
   

2. -Repair the computer's permissions with Onyx software (or similar) and clean Office are also advised.
   

Q41: What should I do if AlphA blocks on opening and the message in the status-bar says "Check internet" when the connection seems good?

A: The connection may be too weak (2G). Try each of these actions separately: temporarily disable the Internet and then use the AlphA. If this is not enough, repair the computer's permissions with Onyx software (or similar), disable the antivirus, check the firewall (system preferences), clean Office...

Q40: Can we change the position of the tabs without affecting the links?

R: Yes. Use the Ctrl-click in the tab bar to access an AlphA menu and then a menu "Manage quotes".

Q39: The cursor does not select the cell correctly.

A: This is a Mac Office 2016 bug. AlphA allows you to fix it "on the fly" with the Ctrl E shortcut or by activating the « Help / Correct cursor position » menu. It is sometimes possible that adjusting the zoom with 2 fingers allows to solve momentarily this problem, idem by removing the comments in the sheet (menu Tasks).

Q38: AlphA is extremely slow and saong difficult...

A: This can be related to several things: the computer does not have enough RAM, the hard drive is full (- 10% free), the computer needs cleaning (see here), Office needs to be reset (see here) , Excel add-ins can slow down AlphA (Tools / Add-ons menu) and uncheck them...

Q37: When Excel crashes, the next reopening opens up a lot of files and takes time.

A: This is normal, Excel reopens all recently used files. To avoid this, click Cancel when Excel reopens and then open a file normally.

Q36: Bug with Office 2016 on Office PC during backup

A: You must disable the AutoSave property in Excel preferences, option Save...

Q33 : I can not print on PC

A: Select ADOBE PDF or PDF Creator (free download) before printing and click Print in the window and not Preview. Be careful, changing the printer in the print window can make Excel freeze.

Q31 : What to do in case of compilation error and corrupted file?

A: Download the generic template from this site (Main tab) then after full opening of the file, use the menu "Tasks / Rebuild an AlphA Workbook". This procedure completely rebuilds the file (logos, license, estimate, additives, account rendering ...). These compilation errors occur when the file has been saved with Excel 2011 and is open with Office 2016.

Q29: Add a contingency post (cinema quote type)

A: Use the Creative Fees button below the Summary, which adds a row to the General Total. Change its name to "CONTINGENCIES" and the row below to "TOTAL with contingencies".

Q22: How to find the license key

A: Menu «Navigator / About»

Q21: Production Notes

A: You can copy a production note from Word and paste it into the placeholders for the 3 note pads in the Summary of the quote.

Q19: Change the information (address, tel, email ...) below the logo

A: Select the cell containing the address and click Yes to the message that appears. You will then be redirected to a sheet where you can enter the new information. Click on the "Back" button to quit this sheet.

Q18: The logos do not print while they appear in the preview of the print window.

A: The OSX installation is defective. Do a reinstallation or an upgrade with a more recent OSX, see here.

Q8: Excel mentions circular references...

A: If, on any Excel files opened (AlphA or else), there is a circular reference, i.e. a formula that you entered and that refers to itself, it may interfere with the functioning of AlphA (like any other Excel sheet - Excel biting its tail!). It is therefore necessary to identify the formula and it is not always easy. Try at first to exit Excel and reopen the matrix to see whether the circular reference is still there. If yes, you must find it and eliminate it...

Q5: Can I disable the message "Enable Macros" at the opening of an AlphA file?

A: Yes, in Excel preferences, check the "Security" tab.

Q1: Some ### appear in cells...

A. This phenomenon can occur with exceptionally large figures. When it happens, you can adjust the size of the font to fix this issue.